Today in Disney History: Pirates of the Caribbean Opens at Disneyland

The Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at Disneyland opened on this day in 1967. Located in New Orleans Square, it was originally envisioned as a walk-through wax museum style attraction. After the success of the boat ride concept of it’s a small world at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair the attraction plans were changed. Set in the bayou of Louisiana, guests travel by boat through scenes of treasure, ships and a Caribbean town being plundered by Pirates to the song, “Yo Ho (A Pirates Life For Me).” Although refurbishments have been done throughout the years with some things added or updated the ride is essentially the same today as it was back when it opened. 

“Strike yer colors! Your adventure begins in a shadowy bayou, where you’ll board a weathered barge. Plunge down a waterfall in the dark and float through the spectral world of Pirates Grotto. Dead men tell no tales—but they guard their treasure for all eternity. 

Navigate cannon fire between a fort and a 12-gun galleon. Glide into port and behold brazen buccaneers drunk on pillaged plunder. Skulk past the well-armed lass who commands a colorful auction of villagers’ goods. 

Sing along as sea roving scalawags serenade you with their classic shanty, “Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me).” Witness flames engulf the town and pass prisoners trapped in their jail cell, doggedly trying to escape. 

Keep a spry eye out for sly Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, as he schemes to get his hands on the spoils. 

If ye be seekin’ adventure, ay—you’ve come to the proper place!” - Disneyland website

On the same day as the Pirates of the Caribbean, the Blue Bayou Restaurant opened in the same building as the attraction. 

A Pirates of the Caribbean attraction can also be found at Walt Disney World (1973), Tokyo Disneyland (1983) and Disneyland Paris (1992). A new version based on the films opened at Shanghai Disneyland in 2016. 

Go for a ride on the Pirates of the Caribbean at Disneyland - 

Video by DocumentDisney (YouTube)

Source(s): Pirates of the Caribbean (D23.com), Pirates of the Caribbean Attraction (Disneyland.disney.go.com)